Twisted Gooseneck repairable?

[BWBrown]

Hi,
Looking for your thoughts...

I have a 2002 Fox 10,000 GVWR goose neck trailer which I regularly use to move my Ford 1700 or IH backhoe. Until last week it was in nearly new condition.

Last week I stopped in at a big home improvement store to pick up 2 pallets of concrete mix. Each pallet was 42 bags, 80# each, plastic wrap and pallet. Total weight a hair under 7,000 pounds.

Kid on the forklift says, "How do you want them loaded?" My trailer is a low deck, fenders extend about 10" above the deck, so forklift access is only at the front or rear, so I said "1 on each side near the front."

I turned my back for a second to get out my straps, only to be startled by the wracking sound of both pallets being all but dropped on the left front corner of my goose neck trailer. He then picked up the top one and took it around to the other side, but the damage was done.

Unloaded, my trailer is now racked, twisted. Parked on a level floor the front corners are twisted - left side is 6" lower than the right - looks horrible!

Store manager says take it to a repair shop for estimate. I don't yet know the extent of the damage - bent? - broken joints?
Is this likely repairable?
Or will it be weak from now on?
How hard should I fight for what resolution?
Or is it no big deal?

I'm not really angry, the kids were real helpful and all, just made a huge error in judgment. We don't need to rag on inept employees or the virtues of do-it centers. I'm just interested in restoring my trailer to its original shape and, most importantly, strength.
Thanks in advance,
Bob

 

[davo727]

Need pics of carnage. Edit- Sounds like they need to just buy you a replacement.

 

[DanD78]

It's made of steel so it's repairable. A good welding shop would be my choice for repairs not a trailer sales place. Check around and see who repairs semi trailers and steel fabrication.

Dan

 

[RobS]

A body/Frame shop should be able to straighten it out just fine. Might have to find one with larger equipment, call around.

 

[radioman]

All different replies here so far- looks like you will need to have estimates from several locations.

1. trailer shop -price for another trailer or repair
2. welding shop - estimate on time when to get it repaired and price
3. large body/frame shop to restore frame to oringinal condition.
4. call your insurance company for advice on who they can refer you to. (you may not have the type of insurance covered but you should be able to get a referall of some sort.)

Any pics from overall view and underneath?

 

[JESSE1]

We had a frame shop repair our 32' gooseneck trailer that had a warped frame from an uneven load. Couldn't tell it had ever been warped after the repair. Don't remember the cost but it wasn't unreasonable.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It is repairable. I have straitened a few trailers in my time with just a length of chain and a 3.5 ton floor jack. If I can do it a good body shop or welding/fab shop can do so also.

Do not let them heat it to straiten it. This will destroy the frame in the long run. If it can not be pulled back into shape with hydraulic power then it needs to be cut out and replace with new steel.

Chris

 

[Stimw]

I worked on semi trailers for 30 years. Years ago I worked for a company that had a SERIOUS frame rack. We used to straighten 40' flatbeds that had been overloaded or equipment dropped on them. I repaired 38' dumps that had fallen over. (a dump trailer can turn over on flat level ground if the load sticks in one side of the nose)
They can all be repaired but finding someone to do it properly is the trick. Heat is usually the last option and can do more damage than you started with. Hidden damage (broken welds, bent/weakened metal) is always hard to spot too.
I would start asking around in your area who to go to. I would stay away from body shops and welding shops. They might be good at what they do but there are tricks to your repair.

 

[some zilch]

i agree, a semi-trailer repair place would be the best route. they have experiance in exactly what your looking for.....

 

[BWBrown]

WOW! So much great advice. It's a real busy week here, I will post pictures and let ya'll know how I make out. Due to the area we live in, everything is an hour away, so I'll be doing a bunch of phone calling before I hook up and head out.
Thanks again to everyone! This is what this site is all about.
Bob